Soccer: Kingz look for repeat upset

By TERRY MADDAFORD

The Football Kingz' season from hell final ends in Sydney tomorrow with the chance of a second win over the Olympic Sharks.

The Kingz upset the Sharks 2-1 at Ericsson Stadium in early January but the Sydneysiders have bounced back well.

They go into their last round-robin match in third place and assured of their place in the playoffs. Even a loss would mean they would finish no worse than fifth.

For Kingz coach Kevin Fallon it is another trip he will be happy to put behind him.

Like the players he inherited, Fallon has no idea what the future holds for him and the club.

"I'm very disappointed that nothing has been sorted out,' said Fallon. "[Kingz chief executive] Chris Turner has gone very quiet."

Sean Douglas tore a hamstring at training yesterday and will miss the trip.

Fallon has no firm idea who will take his left back role.

He has named Riki Van Steeden as one likely replacement. Should he see action, it would be the first for the defender since December 21 in Adelaide.

On a brighter note, John Markovski and Campbell Banks passed fitness tests and will start.

Goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos is back from suspension and will play.

With only pride to play for, the ever-diminishing legion of Kingz fans will be hoping some of the under-achievers take this final opportunity to show they can justify their not-inconsiderable salaries.

The Sharks take one of the best defensive records into the match.

In their 23 NSL outings this season, the Sharks have conceded just 22 goals.

Only second-placed Newcastle United, who have a last-round bye, have a better record, with 21.

* Meanwhile, in national league action tomorrow, leaders Napier City Rovers will be keen to inflict more pain on Central United at Park Island.

Beaten 7-0 and 5-3 in the Easter doubleheader, Central face an uphill task against a Napier side who have lost only once this season.

University Mt Wellington have a chance to drag themselves further away from the threat of relegation in the Southern Trust-sponsored league with a home game against a useful Manawatu side.

North Shore should overcome the disadvantage of playing away from home to beat Waitakere City.

In-form Tauranga City are at home to Canterbury United in what could be the match of the round.

All matches kick off at 2pm.